Navigation needn’t be over complicated. We’ll teach you “the right way in a day”

Introduction

Our navigational days are aimed at those who want to learn to navigate confidently and effectively on the mountains. The majority of wilderness emergency’s in Britain and Europe are due to poor navigation and bad route choice, this course aims to address these points. This 1 day course is suitable for all whether your completely inexperienced or an aspiring Mountain Leader. Being based in Aviemore, Backcountry has quick access to the Cairngorms which contains some of the highest mountains in Britain, and we will get you to the top of one of them, there’s no better place to hone your map and compass work.

Difficulty Rating

Where

By far the most famous mountain pass in Scotland.  The mighty Lairig Ghru is one of the classic treks in the whole of Britain. due to its highest point 835 meters and it’s length 30 miles through wilderness terrain, it is considered to be no small undertaking. The journey itself starts near Aviemore on the northern side of the National Park and cuts through some of the highest mountains in Britain (Ben MacDhui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Angels peak) to finish in the rolling foot hills of Braemar in Royal Deeside.

About

The Trek is done over 3 Days to make the most of your time with us and allow you to soak up as much of the scenery as possible. There is ample opportunities to tick off a few of the Munro’s along the way for those who decide to, or get some wild swimming done, in some pretty amazing pools.

Who

This course is designed to be an enjoyable and educational trip, with wild camping in ancient pine forests and rugged mountain scenery.  The trip will focus on correct Equipment, Planning, Navigation and Bushcraft skills such as fire-lighting. Ideal for families, groups and individuals that may be worried about their hill fitness, as well as individuals interested in learning basic exped skills and map and compass work.

Please note: We will be providing Fjallraven tents along with stoves and fuel for this trip.

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The first of two wild camp @ 1100 meters in Coire Domhain. One of Britain’s true wilderness spots

Introduction

This course is designed to equip attendees with the skills and knowledge to be able to carry out their own multi-day trips in mountainous regions. The secondary aim is to climb 4 of the 9 4000 foot mountains, and ascend 5 of the 6 highest mountains in Britain.

This course is ideal for anyone who is just getting into hill walking/mountaineering, or the experienced hill walker that wants to expand their knowledge of wild camping and safety aspects.

Where

The course is run in the Cairngorms National Park, in the highlands of Scotland. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in Europe and is home to 5 of the 6 highest mountains in Britain. The Cairngorms is the highest, coldest and snowiest plateau in the British Isles, closely mimicking an Arctic tundra.

Skills Covered

Weather forecasting and interpretation

Mountain Weather information Service, Met Office and Synoptic chart interpretation

Equipment and kit needed for multi-day trips in the mountains
Packing for an expedition, rucksack packing demo, gas/fuel stove demonstrations, survival equipment and clothing/sleeping systems

Safe Route choice and planning

Naismith’s rule, timings and contour appreciation.

Navigational skills, map and compass as well as GPS

Orientating map to the ground, taking bearings, timing and pacing, contour appreciation. Introduction to GPS, and when it’s appropriate to use.

Tent choice and wild camping

Tunnel vs Dome vs Geodesic tents, when to us and why. Picking a wild camping pitch in an upland environment. pitching and tips.

Expedition food and nutrition/water safety

Sedimentation, filtration and purification of water in an upland environment. Man-made filter on the market.

Fitness

Due to the number of mountains climbed (7), over all distance, weight carried and height gain, individuals must have a good level of fitness. If you have any questions regarding fitness levels please contact us before booking on this course.

Difficulty Rating

Due to the demanding nature of this course we do not take online bookings and would prefer any enquiries to be directed straight to us for discussion and assessment of ability.

Our flagship course for 2018. Borneo is the 3rd largest Island on the Planet and is home to many endemic species of Flora and fauna including the Bornean Orungutan, East Sumatran Rhinoceros and the Bornean clouded leopard to name but a few. It is also home to the feared Dayak people or “head hunters”.

The weather experienced in February at the North of the Island can range from a cool evening temperature of 22ºC to a sweltering 28 – 34 ºC during the day, with humidity reaching upwards of 90%.

This course is designed to give participants a survival grounding in a Jungle environment, with the majority of time being spent within the Rainforest under the watchful eye of Survival Instructors (SIA) as well as training from local guides. As with all BCS courses the Borneo expedition is designed to be multi-environment and will take place in Primary jungle as well as in Mountainous regions.

The last two days of the Course will retrace the final two days of the Sandakan – Ranau death march. This was a forced march over a distance of 250 kilometers from the POW camp at Sandakan to the small village of Ranau and was carried out by around 1000 Allied soldiers captured after the fall of Singapore (some 1787 Australian and 641 British soldiers were interned at Sandakan). Out of a total of 2434 POW only 6 Australians managed to escape.

Due to the climate and strenuousness of this course participants must be in good physical condition to make the most of their time with us.

Difficulty Rating

The deposit for this course is £400, please do not make any flight/travel plans until you have confirmation from us that your place is secured.